EII and Intersectionality: Addressing the unique challenges of intersecting identities

Wow, what a title, right?

 Let us start with understanding intersectionality. What is it?

 Intersectionality is a term created by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, a civil rights scholar and professor of law. It is a way of understanding that people have many parts to their identity, not just one.

 These parts can include things like skin color, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, and economic background. Each of these can affect how someone is treated or how they have learned to experience the world.

 The idea behind intersectionality is that these parts do not exist separately. They overlap and connect, creating unique experiences for each person. For example, a dark-skinned woman may face challenges that are different from those faced by a light-skinned woman or a dark-skinned man, not just because of their skin tone or gender alone, but because of how they combine in their life. We are all the same by blood but our gender and skin tones can be different.

 This term helps us remember that people’s lives and challenges are complex. When we are collaborating to support others, be fair, or include everyone, it is important to consider the whole person, not just one part of who we or they are. We must pay attention to the value of their contribution and not to their skin color, the clothes they are wearing or the car they drive.

 Encouragement, Inspiration, and Inclusion (EII) give us practical ways to support people who may face challenges because of the distinct parts of their identity, including their skin color, gender, background, or abilities. Intersectionality reminds us that these identities do not exist separately; they overlap and can create unique struggles for individuals. 

 Encouragement helps by showing people they are seen, valued, and able to succeed. It creates an environment where everyone feels welcome to speak up and contribute, especially those who may not always feel heard or were not heard in their past. A kind word, a show of support, or giving someone a chance to speak and/or lead can help build confidence and connection.

 Inspiration can take that support further by recognizing the strength in each person’s story. When people are inspired, they are more likely to believe in their ability to grow and succeed. It will not matter about their circumstances. Inclusion means we verify that everyone is invited to participate, not just in name, but in meaningful ways. 

 Inspiration is about listening to all voices and considering different perspectives when decisions are made. EII helps us move from simply noticing the challenges some people face to actually doing something about them, in Unity. This approach builds a stronger, more respected commUNITY where everyone has a place and a purpose.

 Encouragement, Inspiration, and Inclusion are not one-size-fits-all solutions either. Their true power is realized when they are responsive to the layered realities individuals live every day.

 How would you and I view a first-generation college student who is a military veteran with dark skin who lost a leg in the war and stitches down the side of their face to the point that they can not always speak clearly?
 

As we look toward them, would we see someone who served our Country, our freedoms, and supported their family? As a first-generation college student and possibly naïve by some standards, would we hold that against them and think they are a lesser person? Would we be afraid to talk with them because of the scar on their face, or because we may not be able to understand every word they say?

 Would their dark skin add to the way some people “rate” them in today’s society?

 When we approach intersectionality through the lens of Encouragement, Inspiration, and Inclusion, can’t we begin to see each person for the full story they bring forward? We can see them as a person and not just one label or challenge. 

 As we learn and commit to using EII, we have the tools to respond with empathy, not judgment. Encouragement, Inspiration and Including others would promote us to celebrate differences instead of fearing them. By encouraging people to use their voice, inspiring them through recognition of their strength, and including them in meaningful ways, we break down barriers built by misunderstanding, stereotypes, culture, prior learnings and prejudice.

 At the core, we are more alike than we are different. While our experiences may vary, many times shaped by skin color, gender, ability, or background, our need to be seen, heard, and valued is universal. Through EII, we create a culture where every identity is respected and individuals are given the chance to grow and thrive. 

 Intersectionality does not have to divide us. With EII, it becomes a bridge that connects us, heart to heart, mind to mind, and soul to soul.

 We can move forward with this understanding. Let us commit to Encouraging, Inspiring, and Including others in ways that recognize the complexity of our lives while affirming our humanity. In doing so, we build a better tomorrow, one where everyone, no matter what their identity may be, has a place at the table and a voice in their future, our future, our children’s future.

 Starting now, let us lead with Encouragement, speak with Inspiration, and act through Inclusion.

 Take a moment to truly see someone beyond their labels and let them know they matter.

 Together, we can turn understanding into action and create a future where every voice is valued and every life is respected.

 If you want help, would you contact me today?

 Looking Ahead: A Roadmap for the Next Four Articles

 This article sets the foundation for understanding intersectionality and unique identities. As we continue building by Achieving Unity, we can discuss personal beliefs and government beliefs. E.g., gender, age, and physical disabilities are identified at birth. We see them as hard facts. 

 Aren’t some identities, like skin color, social constructs created in our past? The color of our skin may be lighter or darker, but we realize more today that we are all the same. We all have the same four blood types, the same love circulation, going through all of us. It does not matter about our skin color or gender or where we are born. We are all the same in so many ways.

 Over the next four articles, we will explore more aspects of EII and its powerful role in DEI, including:

1. EII and Accountability: Measuring progress and fostering responsibility.
2. EII and the Future of DEI: Inspiring change through action.
3. Addressing Resistance to DEI and EII: Constructive ways to engage skeptics.
4. EII as a Continuous Journey: Sustaining DEI efforts for the long term.

 EII transforms DEI from an ideal into a practice that can be woven into the fabric of everyday life. Through Encouragement, Inspiration, and Inclusion, we can create environments where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. 

 Let us take action—encourage others, inspire new perspectives, and include everyone in the conversation. Together, we can build a more united and empowered future.

Your feedback, feed-forward, and stories are important. Please send your ideas and your stories to me today. I am honored to use your ideas and stories in a future article. We cannot succeed with what we do not know. Reach out today.

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